Does riverfront development make economic sense for Southeast Texas cities?

A boat was pulled from the Sabine River near downtown Orange Wednesday, a move that is the first step toward enhancing the downtown riverfront area as a recreational draw. Beaumont has discussed riverfront possibilities for years, and Port Neches has a history of attempts at further development of its site for an annual festival and tunnel boat races. Is this an investment that will pay off in tourist dollars?

Does riverfront development make economic sense for Southeast Texas cities?